Chief Weapons & Mission Systems Integration Engineer

Atropos•San Diego, CA

3d•$225,000 - $275,000

About The Position

As a key early member of our Engineering Organization, you will architect and execute the design, test, and certification of weapon systems and mission systems into Atropos's utility UAS. You will work closely with the UAS engineering team, the customer and user, and flight test and certification in order to lead the design and integration of weapons to the platform.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
10+ years of experience as test conductor/director for developmental aircraft, weapons, or missile systems.
Must have a good understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
Test engineering experience working with developmental weapon or missile systems on manned and/or unmanned aircraft to include requirements development, planning, execution, and reporting.
Previous experience with and/or current working knowledge of MIL-STD-8591, MIL-STD-2088, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, AS8775, AS5653, etc.
Experience integrating and conducting test with suspension, arming, and release equipment.
Previous expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System and UAS operating rules and regulations thereof.
Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
Strong computer and documentation experience.
Must have strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas.
Able to work extended hours as required.
Ability to travel as required for test planning and execution.
Bias for action – if you see a problem, you want to solve and fix it.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret-Level security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of FMEA, Fault Tree Analysis, and Root Cause Corrective Action.
Experience in end-to-end UAS development, from design through certification (experimental SAC/Part 107)

Responsibilities

Develop system design, test, and certification plans for a variety of air-launched weapons, both internal and external carriage, to include palletized effects delivered via Rapid Dragon.
Execute integration and flight‑test activities, analyzing results and driving corrective actions.
Assess design changes, identify safety risks, and provide technical mitigation strategies.
Produce and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including design documents, test plans, and test reports.
Collaborate with vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve technical issues and ensure schedule adherence.
Design new BRU/LAU, palletized air drop mechanisms, and SMS required for potential new weapon systems.

Benefits

Platinum Healthcare Benefits: Atropos offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with 100% employer-paid premiums and little to no cost to you
Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Atropos, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents
Unlimited PTO, with minimum of 15 days enforced
20 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition
Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting
Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy, life coaching, and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, available to you as well
Tuition and professional development reimbursement for STEM, MBA, and licenses
Daily Lunch catered
Company-funded child care stipend
Company-funded commuter benefits available based on your region.
Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility).
401(k) retirement savings plan - both a traditional and Roth 401(k). 6% employer matching contribution